The 16-member crew of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ reached Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on Sunday after a seven-day voyage, just ahead of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Meeting scheduled for Monday.
The ‘Uto ni Yalo’ represents a strong sense of regional unity, founded on a shared passion for the ocean and traditional navigation techniques.
The journey was particularly notable as Iva Vunikura served as the sail master, a position typically held by male crew members. Vunikura has been with the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ for 12 years and has completed voyages exceeding 80,000 nautical miles, including routes from Fiji to Mexico.
She has also navigated extensively throughout the region, and reflecting on the voyage, she noted, “It was tough because we were coming into the wind, but we didn’t give up, which is why we are here today.”
Vunikura hails from Vione, Gau, and was one of three women on the vessel. She is passionate about her role and finds comfort in being surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean.